• Stiffness and locking/catching when trying to straighten finger
• Often affects ring finger and thumb → ∴ trigger finger

Demographics

• 50-60yo

Pathophys

• Tendons glide through tunnels made by bands of tissues called "pulleys"
• In trigger finger, pulley which the finger's flexor tendon passes through becomes inflamed or thickened making it harder for the flexor tendon to glide through
• Over time the tendon develops a small nodule on its surface
• When the finger flexes and extends, the nodule catches on the pulley → causing a catching sensation
  • May be painful

Clinical features

• painful click with flexion of index finger and thumb
• may have locking in flexed position
• may have crepitus or palpable nodule

Management

• Non surgical
  • Rest
  • Splinting in a straight position
  • Gentle exercises
  • NSAIDs for pain
    • +/- Corticosteroids
• Surgery
  • Tenolysis (i.e. trigger finger release)